Configuration memory for a scanning beam device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a memory element for providing compatibility information and/or parametric data about a scanning beam device to a universal base station. The present invention provides a memory coupled to the scanning beam device that provides parametric data, such as an identifier code, compatibility information, and other characteristics of the scanning beam device that is coupled to the universal base station. A controller of the base station may use the parametric data to configure or generate a control routine so as to allow the base station to properly operate the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to scanning beam devices. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to scanning fiber devicesthat have a memory element which includes data that improves operationof the scanning fiber devices.

There is a growing market for micro-optical displays and small imageacquisition systems (e.g., cameras). Scanning beam systems fill theneed, but the lack of low cost micro-optical systems with a wide fieldof view (FOV) have been the most significant barrier for reducing thesize of scanning beam systems for use in minimally invasive medicalimaging (flexible endoscopes), surveillance, industrial inspection andrepair, machine and robotic vision systems, and micro-barcode scanners.

Most conventional scanning beam systems use a movable scanning element,such as a rotating or oscillating mirror. Light, such as a laser beam,is projected onto the moving mirror to scan the light across apredetermined linear pattern or two-dimensional pattern (e.g., raster)at a scan frequency that is sufficient for the particular application.The FOV is determined by the scanning amplitude and the particularoptical design of the system. While the scanning element may be scannedat any frequency, in most embodiments, a drive signal is chosen tosubstantially match the resonant frequency of the scanning element. Asshown in FIG. 1A, it is often useful to scan the light at a frequencywithin a “Q-factor” of the resonant frequency of the scanning element.Scanning the light within the Q-factor allows for scanning at desiredangles and displacements while using a minimal amount of energy toobtain the desired angles and displacement.

Combining both high resolution (>400,000 pixels) and wide FOV (>30degrees) in a single display or camera is a difficult technicalchallenge. There is a tradeoff between optical scanning frequency versusscanning amplitude (FOV) for all mirror-scanning devices. The faster themirror scans, the greater the forces acting on the mirror, which deformsthe mirror surface, degrading image quality. This limitation isespecially true for the small, low cost resonant mirror scanners.Rotating polygon mirror scanners can overcome this limitation ortradeoff between scan frequency and amplitude, except they are usuallybulky, and costly. In the case of a resonant mirror scanner, the mirrorcannot scan more than a few degrees in amplitude at frequencies of 20kHz to 40 kHz, as required for sVGA raster scanning displays. Since theoptical beam reflects from the scanning mirror, the optical FOV is twicethe total mirror deflection angle (i.e., the FOV=2 times mirror scanamplitude). However, at sVGA resolution and scan frequencies, opticalFOVs on the order of 30 degrees to 60 degrees cannot be achieved using alow cost resonant mirror scanner as the basis for micro displays.

Recently, resonant mirror optical scanning systems have been developedthat include silicon micro-machining techniques to makemicro-electromechanical systems (or MEMS) devices. In theory, thistechnique can manufacture durable mirror-based optical scanners at lowercosts. Nonetheless, there is still a tradeoff between scan amplitude andscan frequency of the resonant scanning mirror.

To that end, an improved scanning beam system has been developed whichinvolves the use of a cantilevered optical fiber that is scanned in oneor two dimensions to project light out of the end of the optical fiberto form an image. In addition to image formation and micro-displayapplications, image acquisition is also possible with the addition of asensor, such as a photosensor. To acquire an image, the light projectedout the end of the scanning optical fiber is reflected from the targetarea and the backscattered light is captured and measured with thesensor in time series. Because the motion of the fiber is predictableand repeatable, the reflected light intensity measured at the sensor canbe sequentially correlated with the position of the optical fiber, and atwo-dimensional image may be created one ‘pixel’ at a time. For ease ofreference, the terms “scanning beam system” and “scanning fiber system”will be used generically to encompass systems that are used for imagedisplay and/or image acquisition.

In comparison to traditional scanning beam devices, scanning fibertechnology offers many advantages. The small mass of the optical fiberscanner allows high scan angles at video rates—typically between about 1kHz and about 50 kHz, and preferably between about 5 kHz and about 25kHz. Optical fiber scanners also have a smaller ‘footprint’, taking upless space and can be conveniently packaged into a small (<1 mm)diameter cylindrical endoscope or catheter housing.

When used for image acquisition, the fiber scanner has numerousapplications in the areas of medical endoscopy and other remote imagingmethods, where the millimeter package diameter size allows explorationinto areas previously untouched by traditional methods. Commonly ownedU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,563,105 B2 and 6,294,775 B1 and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 2001/0055462 A1, and 2002/0064341 A1 (all to Seibel)describe some useful image acquisition systems, the complete disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

It is contemplated that commercial scanning beam systems of the presentinvention will comprise a base station and a scanning beam device. Oneparticular use of the systems of the present invention is for minimallyinvasive medical procedures in which the scanning beam device is in theform of a flexible endoscope that may be used to image an interior of abody lumen, body cavity, and/or hollow organ. As can be appreciated, fordifferent body lumens or for different imaging procedures, it may bedesirable to use different devices that have different properties, suchas different sizes, fields-of-view, resolutions, color capability, orthe like. However, the differences in characteristics for each of thedevices will generally require a different control routine to properlyoperate the device and to be able to take advantage of the capabilitiesof the device. In particular, the devices will often have differentresonant frequencies, and the base station will need to alter a drivesignal to match the resonant frequency of the specific fiber.

Importantly, even if two of the same model scanning beam devices areused with the base station, because of manufacturing tolerances,oftentimes the two same model devices will still have differences intheir resonant frequencies or other parameters that will affect theoperation of the device. Consequently, in order to be able to use asingle base station with the different scanning beam devices, it may benecessary to determine the operating parameters for each and everydevice prior to use so that the base station can reconfigure its controlroutine to match the parameters of the device. Without such parametricdata, the base station may not be able to properly operate the differentof scanning beam devices. While it is may be possible to determine theparameters of each device, such calibration is time consuming andlengthens the setup procedure. In some cases, it may not even bepossible to determine all of the relevant parameters of the device. Asdifferent models of devices are developed for use with the basestations, in which each of the devices will have differentcharacteristics than other models, the time involved in reconfiguringthe base station to allow the base station to take advantage of thedifferent capabilities of the devices will increase and will addsignificantly to the time of the scanning procedure.

In light of the above, it would be desirable to provide improved basestations, devices, systems, and methods. It would be further desirableto provide universal base stations that have a reduced set up time andreduced number of calculations associated with reconfiguring a basestation for use with different devices. It would be especially desirableif the enhanced and rapid configuration methods resulted in improvedsafety to the patient and reliability of image construction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to scanning beam systems andscanning beam devices which incorporate a memory structure (such as anon-volatile memory) for providing parametric data of the scanning beamdevice to a controller of a base station. The memory may provide anidentification of the device and/or parametric data that allows thecontroller to configure a control routine (e.g., scan pattern) to matchthe parametric data of the attached device, change the displayproperties of the base station, change the operator controls on the basestation, change the use profile, or the like. The data from the memorywill allow the base station to properly operate the device and takeadvantage of the capabilities of the device.

The memory is typically a non-volatile memory such as FLASH memory,EEPROM, non-volatile RAM, Flash EPROM, battery backed up SRAM, EPROM,PROM, ROM, and the like. The memory may be mounted on a connector memberthat interfaces with the base station, on or in a housing of the device,or any other place on the device.

Scanning beam systems of the present invention may be usable for imageacquisition and/or image display. The systems of the present inventionincludes a base station and one or more scanning beam devices. If thescanning beam devices are used for image acquisition, the devices maycomprise at least one detector for capturing backscattered light from atarget area.

The devices include a waveguide, such as an optical fiber that conveyselectromagnetic energy such as light between its opposite ends. In mostof the discussion set forth below, an optical fiber is a preferred kindof waveguide, but it is not intended that the present invention be inany way limited to an optical fiber or limited to only conveying visiblelight. In one embodiment, the device directs light out of the distal endof an optical fiber to form an illumination spot on the target area. Apiezoelectric or other electro-mechanical assembly is driven by a drivesignal to scan the optical fiber so that the illumination spot isscanned over the target area in a desired scan pattern. Light reflectedfrom the target area is collected by the detector and the light or alight signal is routed to the base station. Since the position of theillumination spot is precisely controlled during the scan pattern by thedrive signal, the controller is substantially able to synchronize thecaptured light (e.g., illumination spot) with a specific time point inthe scan pattern. Using the known scan pattern and timing of the scanpattern, the controller of the base station is then able to time placethe captured light to a specific portion or “pixel” of the reconstructedimage. By knowing the position of the illumination spot on the targetarea for every instant in time of the scan pattern, the image may beconstructed one pixel at a time.

While the optical fiber may be scanned at any frequency, in mostembodiments, a drive signal is typically within a Q-factor of theresonant frequency, and preferably at the resonant frequency of theoptical fiber. Scanning at the resonant frequency provides the desiredradial displacement of the optical fiber with a minimal amount ofenergy. As can be appreciated, other scan frequencies outside theQ-factor may also be used, but a larger amount of energy will be neededto achieve the desired radial displacement of the optical fiber.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating ascanning beam device. The method comprises providing a scanning beamdevice that comprises a memory in communication with a connector member.The connector member is coupled to an interface on a base station so asto create a data path between the memory and a controller of the basestation. Data is read from the memory of the scanning fiber device. Acontrol routine is generated for operating the scanning beam device andthe base station, based at least in part on the data read from thememory. The scanning beam device is then controlled with the controlroutine that was generated based on the data from the memory.

In one configuration, the data in the memory comprises compatibilitydata, such as a unique identifier. The unique identifier may be a uniqueserial number, a model number, or the like. Parametric data that isassociated with the unique identifier may stored in the memory of thebase station or the memory of the scanning beam device. The parametricdata may be used to generate the control routine for the device.

The parametric data my include a resonant frequency of the device. Theresonant frequency data will be used by the controller to generate thecontrol routine that corresponds to the resonant frequency. In otherembodiments, the parametric data includes a resonant frequency range.The resonant frequency range will provide a limited search range for thecontroller to search for the resonant frequency of the optical fiber.The controller may scan through the resonant frequency range todetermine the resonant frequency for the fiber, and the scanning fiberdevice may thereafter be scanned substantially at the resonantfrequency.

Applicants have found that the resonant frequency of the device maychange with the environmental conditions. Therefore, the memory mayoptionally store different parametric data sets (e.g., remapping tables,resonant frequency, and/or resonant frequency ranges, etc.) thatcorrespond to different environmental conditions (e.g., temperature). Insuch embodiments, the base station or the scanning beam device may havea sensor (e.g., temperature sensor) to measure the environmentalconditions, or a user may be prompted to enter the relevantenvironmental condition information during a setup procedure. Dependingon the measured/entered environmental condition, the base station willbe configured to use the appropriate parametric data set on the memoryto control the scanning beam device.

The parametric data may also include, but is not limited to, a maximumdrive voltage for the drive assembly of the scanned beam device, anexpiration data or date of manufacture, zoom or focus capability of thescanning beam device, image remapping algorithms or look up tables,color capability, sensor configuration, or the like.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a scanning beam devicecomprising a drive assembly coupled to the scanning element. The devicecomprises a memory with data. A connector member is in communicationwith the memory, the connector member releasably couples the scanningfiber device to an interface in a base station, wherein coupling of theconnector member to the interface in the base station creates a datapath from the memory to a controller of the base station. Operation ofthe scanning fiber device is carried out with a control routine that isbased at least in part on data transmitted from the memory to thecontroller.

In one exemplary embodiment, the scanning element is an optical fibercomprising a proximal end and a distal end, and the drive assembly isconfigured to scan a distal end of the optical fiber in a desired scanpattern. The data transmitted from the memory typically includes atleast one of a compatibility data and identification data (such as aserial number, model number, or the like) The identification data may beassociated with a look up table in a database. The look up table maycomprise the relevant parametric data of the device. The parametric datamay then be used by the controller to generate a control routine thatallows for proper operation of the device.

The parametric data may include a resonant frequency data, a resonantfrequency range, drive assembly characteristics (such as maximumvoltage, etc.), fiber characteristics (diameter, fiber bending andposition control data, etc.), expiration dates, data of manufacture,image correction data (correction algorithms or look up tables),detection assembly characteristics (color capability, stereo capability,etc.), or the like.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a base station that isconfigured to operate a plurality of different scanning fiber devices,the base station comprises a housing that has an interface that isconfigured to releasably receive a connector member of a scanning fiberdevice. A controller is in communication with the interface and isconfigured to be electrically coupled to the scanning fiber devicethrough the interface. The base station comprises a memory that is incommunication with the controller. The memory is configured to store aplurality of code modules which when executed by the controller causesthe controller to read data from a memory of the scanning fiber deviceand generate a control routine for a drive assembly of the scanningfiber device to scan the fiber scanning device at a desired scanfrequency. The control routine is generated at least in part on the dataread from the memory of the scanning fiber device.

The base station will typically include one or more types of powersources that are under the control of the controller. The controller andpower source will send a drive signal to the drive assembly to scan thedevice. The power source may also be used to transmit power through theinterface to the memory of the scanning fiber device. The powertransmitted through the connector member and memory of the scanningfiber device creates a data path between the controller of the basestation and the memory of the scanning fiber device.

The base station may further include one or more illumination sources.The illumination source is configured to transmit light to the scanningfiber device through the interface. The light sources may include alaser source, a visible light source, a UV source, a RGB source, and/oran IR source.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a scanning beam systemthat comprises a base station comprising a memory coupled to acontroller and a light source. The system also includes at least onescanning beam device, such as a scanning fiber device. Each scanningfiber device comprises a scanning fiber comprising a proximal end and adistal end, a drive assembly coupled to the fiber to control scanning ofthe distal end of the scanning fiber, a connector member for couplingthe scanning fiber device to an interface in the base station and amemory in communication with the connector member. Coupling of theconnector member from one of the fiber scanning devices into theinterface in the base station creates a data path from the memory of thescanning fiber device to a controller of the base station and an opticalpath between the light source to the scanning fiber. The controller ofthe base station is configured to read data from the memory of thescanning fiber device and initiate a control routine to drive the driveassembly of the scanning fiber device so as to scan the fiber scanningdevice at a desired scan frequency, wherein the control routine isgenerated at least in part on the data read from the memory of thescanning fiber.

Other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a resonant frequency of an optical fiber and aQ-factor.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a fiber scanning system encompassed bythe present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a scanning beam device that comprises ascanning element in the form of an optical fiber that is scanned in ascan pattern with an driving assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified imaging catheter that incorporates thescanning fiber of the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The scanning beam systems of the present invention will generallyinclude a scanning beam device and a base station for controlling thescanning beam device. The scanning beam devices of the present inventionmay take on a variety of forms, but are typically in the form of a rigidor flexible endoscope, catheter, fiberscope, microscope, boroscope, barcode reader, an image display, or other device for generating images oracquiring images of a target area. The scanning beam devices of thepresent invention may be a limited use device (e.g., disposable device)or a multiple-use device. If the device is for medical use, the scanningbeam devices will generally be sterile, either being sterilizable orbeing provided in hermetically sealed package for use.

The scanning beam devices of the present invention include a scanningelement for scanning a beam of light onto a target area. The scanningelement preferably comprises a single, cantilevered optical fiber, butin other embodiments, the scanning element may take the form of amirror, such as microelectomechanical system (MEMS), a galvanometer, apolygon, multiple optical elements moved relative to each other, or thelike. While the remaining discussion focuses on a flexible, scanningfiber endoscope that is used for acquiring images of a target sitewithin a body, it will be appreciated that the present invention alsoencompasses the other aforementioned devices.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a scanning beam system 10 encompassedby the present invention. The scanning beam system 10 includes a basestation 12 and a scanning beam device 14. The scanning beam device 14includes a connector member 16 that is configured to mate with an inputinterface 18 on the base station. Coupling of the connector member 16 tothe input interface 18 may create a power path, drive path, detectorpath, illumination path, and/or data communication path between elementsof the base station 12 and corresponding elements of the scanning beamdevice 14. The input interface 18 on the base station 12 may beconfigured to receive and operate a plurality of different compatiblescanning beam devices 14 that have different characteristics. Being ableto utilize different models of the scanning beam device provides theoperator with ability to use a device that best meets the needs of theparticular procedure—whether it be image acquisition or image display.

Base station 12 of the present invention typically includes a controller20 that has one or more microprocessors and/or one or more dedicatedelectronics circuits which may include a gate array (not shown) whichmay control the actuation of the scanning beam device 14 and generationof the images. The controller 20 may also include scanner driveelectronics, detector amplifiers and A/D converters (not shown). Theprocessor in controller 20 may receive instructions from softwaremodules that are stored in a memory 24. As will be appreciated by thoseof skill in the art, the methods of the present invention may be carriedout by the software modules and/or by the electronics hardware in thecontroller.

Controller 20 is in communication with a plurality of elements withinthe base station 12 via a communication bus (not shown). In thesimplified configuration of FIG. 1, the communication bus allows forelectrical communication between controller 20, a power source 22,memory 24, user interface(s) 26, a light source 28, one or more displays30, a photosensitive position sensor 31 in a calibration chamber 33.Optionally, if the scanning beam device 14 includes a detectionassembly, the base station 12 may include a separate image storagedevice 32. In alternative embodiments, the image storage device 32 maysimply be a module within memory 24. As can be appreciated, the basestations 12 of the present invention will vary, and may include fewer ormore modules. For ease of reference, other conventional elements of thebase station, e.g., amplifiers, D/A converters, A/D converters, and thelike, are not illustrated, but those of skill in the art will recognizethat the controllers of the present invention may include such elements.

Light source 28 is configured to emit a continuous stream of light,modulated light, or a stream of light pulses. Base station 12 maycomprise a plurality of different light sources 28 so as to be able tooperate different scanning beam devices that have different illuminationcapabilities. The light sources 28 may include one or more of a redlight source, blue light source, green light source (collectivelyreferred to herein as a “RGB light source”), an IR light source, a UVlight source, and/or a high intensity laser source (typically for atherapeutic scanning beam device). The light sources 28 themselves maybe configured to be switchable between a first mode (e.g., continuousstream) and a second mode (e.g., stream of light pulses). The lightsource 28 enabled by controller 20 will depend on the capabilities ofthe attached scanning beam device 14 and the control routine stored inmemory 24 or 76. For ease of reference, other conventional elements inthe light source are not shown. For example, if a RGB light source isused, the light sources may include combiner to combine the differentfrequency light before the light enters a waveguide 38.

Memory 24 is used for storing the software modules and algorithms foroperating the base station and the various scanning fiber devices 14that are compatible with the base station 12. The software used by thecontroller 20 for controlling the scanning beam device 14 will typicallybe configurable so as to match the operating parameters of the attacheddevice (e.g., resonant frequency, voltage limits, zoom capability, colorcapability, etc.). As noted above, memory 24 may also be use for storingthe image data received from the detectors 44 of the scanning beamdevice.

User interface 26 will include the operator controls for the basestation and the scanning beam device 14. User interface 26 may include akeyboard, buttons, switches, joysticks, a mouse, a touchscreen, and thelike. The user interface 26 may be configurable by the controller 20 soas to conform to the capabilities of the scanning beam device coupled tothe base station 12.

The scanning beam devices 14 of the present invention typically includea scanning element 34 for scanning a beam of light onto a target area36. A waveguide 38 delivers illumination from the light source 28 to thescanning element 34. A driving assembly 40 is coupled to the scanningelement 34 and is adapted to scan the scanning element 34 according to adrive signal received from the controller 20. Drive assembly 40 willtypically drive the scanning element 34 at or near its resonantfrequency in one or two dimensions (e.g., typically within a Q-factor ofthe resonant frequency, see FIG. 1A). As can be appreciated, thescanning element 34 does not have to be driven at substantially theresonant frequency, but if the scanning element is not scanned at itsresonant frequency, a larger amount of energy is needed to provide thedesired angular displacement for the scan.

As shown in FIG. 2, when driven by the drive assembly 40, scanningelement 34 scans a beam of illumination 41 and forms a spot on thetarget area 36 (the “spot” is referred to herein as an “illuminationspot 42”). The scanned illumination spot 42 may be used to create animage on the target area 36, or the light reflected off of the targetarea 36 from the scanned illumination spot 42 may be captured by adetection assembly 44, and the collected light may be used to generate areal-time image of the target area 36.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the scanningelement 34 is in the form of a cantilevered optical fiber. The opticalfibers 50 of the present invention may have any desired dimensions andcross-sectional shape. The optical fiber 50 may have a symmetrical crosssectional profile or an asymmetrical cross-sectional profile, dependingon the desired characteristics of the device. An optical fiber 50 with around cross-section will have substantially the same resonancecharacteristics about any two orthogonal axes, while an optical fiberwith an asymmetric cross section (e.g., ellipse) will have differentresonant frequencies about the major and minor axes. Additionally oralternatively, the optical fiber 50 may be tapered. The taper may belinear or non-linear. As can be appreciated, the type of taper willachieve different scanning parameters about the axes of the opticalfiber.

Optical fiber 50 comprises a proximal portion 52 and a distal portion 54that comprises a distal tip 56. Light from the light source 26 willenter into waveguide 38, which in most embodiments is the proximalportion 52 of the optical fiber, and out of the distal tip 56. Opticalfiber 50 is typically fixed along at least one point of the opticalfiber so as to be cantilevered. The distal portion 54 is free to bedeflected so as to serve as the scanning element. To achieve thedeflection of the distal portion 54 of the optical fiber, the opticalfiber 50 will be coupled to drive assembly 40. In one preferredembodiment, the drive assembly is a piezoelectric assembly that is ableto deflect the optical fiber in two dimensions. While preferred driveassemblies are piezoelectric assemblies, in alternative embodiments, thedrive assembly 40 may comprise a permanent magnet, a electromagnet, anelectrostatic drive, a sonic drive, an electro-mechanical drive, or thelike.

A drive signal from controller 20 delivers power to the drive assembly40. The current and voltage of the drive signal causes the piezoelectricdrive assembly to deflect the distal tip 56 of the optical fiber 50 in adesired scan pattern in at least one dimension (and preferably twodimensions). A variety of different scan patterns may be implemented bythe drive signal. One preferred 2-D scan pattern encompassed by thepresent invention is a spiral scan pattern. The spiral scan pattern iscreated by synchronizing an amplitude modulated horizontal sinusoidalvibration drive signal and a vertical sinusoidal vibration drive signal.Typically, the horizontal and vertical drive signals are driven with a90 degree phase shift between them. As can be appreciated, the spiralscan pattern is merely one example of a scan pattern and other scanpatterns, such as a rotating propeller scan pattern, a raster scanpattern, a line pattern, and the like, may be used by the presentinvention to scan the illumination spot on the target area.

The distal portion 54 may be driven at a variety of differentfrequencies, but the deflection of the distal tip 56 of the opticalfiber is typically carried out substantially at a mechanical orvibratory resonant frequency (or harmonics of the resonant frequency) ofthe cantilevered portion of the optical fiber 54. As can be appreciatedif desired, optical fiber 50 may also be driven at a non-resonantfrequency, but is typically within a Q-factor of the resonant frequency.As can be appreciated, the point of connection between optical fiber 50and driving assembly 40 and other physical properties of optical fiber50 will effect the frequency of the drive signal needed to drive theoptical fiber 50 at or near resonance. Hence, any manufacturingvariations, even for same model types, will typically cause a variationin characteristics of the device, such as the resonant frequency of thedistal portion 54 of the optical fiber.

FIG. 3 illustrates a specific embodiment of a flexible fiber scanningendoscope/catheter 14′ of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, fiber scanning endoscope/catheter device 14′ comprises aflexible, substantially tubular body 60 that houses the components ofthe beam scanning device. Drive assembly 40 is in the form of a tubularpiezoelectric piezoceramic drive assembly that is coupled around aportion of optical fiber 50 and is spaced from the body with one or morecollars 61. Piezoelectric drive assembly 40 is typically configured toresonate the optical fiber in at least two dimensions. Drive assembly 40is driven with a drive signal supplied from the drive electronics in thecontroller 20 through leads 62. In one configuration, drive assembly 40comprises five leads—an +x lead, −x lead, +y lead, −y lead, and a groundlead.

A detection assembly 44 may comprise one or more detectors positioned inor on the housing 60. Detection assembly 44 comprises one or moredetectors that are in communication with a detection circuitry ofcontroller 20 or another part of the controller 20 through leads 64. Thedetectors may be disposed anywhere on or within body 60 and positionedadjacent the distal portion 54 of optical fiber 50 so as to capturebackscattered light reflected off of the target area 36. In theillustrated embodiment, the detectors are positioned at the distal endof housing 60.

The detection assembly 44 may comprise a variety of different detectortypes that receive light reflected from the target area. For example,the detection assembly in body 60 may comprise a light detector (such asa photodetector) that produces electrical signal that are conveyedthrough leads 64 to the base station 12. Alternatively, the detectionassembly 44 may comprise one or more collector fibers (not shown) thattransmit light reflected from the target area to photodetectors in thebase station 12.

The detectors may be stationary relative to the optical fiber 50 or thedetectors may be part of the optical fiber 50. The detector response issynchronized to the drive signal through controller and is used todetermine a brightness of the small portion of target area 36 thatcorresponds to the illumination spot 42 at the given point in time.Light reflected from the target area 36 may be collected by detectionassembly 44 and the light itself (via the collector fiber) or electricsignals (via the photodetector) that correspond to the collected lightmay transmitted back to the controller 20 and/or memory 24 (or imagestorage device 32) for processing.

Theoretically, only a single light detector is needed to capture thebackscattered light to generate a monochrome or black and white image.To generate a full-color image, three light detectors may be used. Eachof the light detectors may be configured to filter different colors(e.g., blue, green, or red light transmissions). Such detectors arereferred to herein as RGB detectors. Silicon-based semiconductorphotodiodes (such as Si-PIN type) are useful for visible and near IRlight detection because of their high sensitivity, low cost, small size,high speed, and ruggedness. Photodiodes, such as InGaAs materialphotodiodes, are useful for embodiment of the present invention that useIR optical detection. Since the resolution of the integrated opticalscanning technique does not depend on size and number of lightdetectors, if desired, light detectors may be disposed on most or all ofthe available space adjacent the distal end of the optical fiber 50 forthe purpose of increasing and discriminating between signal levels.

As shown in FIG. 3, the scanning fiber devices 14 of the presentinvention may include one or more lenses 70 to focus the imaging light,to provide better resolution and an improved FOV. In one embodiment, oneor more lenses are disposed at a distal end of the housing. The lensesmay be fixedly coupled to the housing or the lenses may be movablewithin the housing relative to each other. In other embodiments, a lens70 may be coupled to the distal end 56 of the optical fiber and move andchange orientation with the distal end 56 of the optical fiber. Anycombination of lenses may be used in the devices of the presentinvention to provide or adjust optical properties of the scanning fiberdevice. For example, lenses may be used to adjust the focal plane, tocollimate light, change the FOV, change resolution, or the like.

As can be appreciated, different combinations of the lenses of thescanning beam device 14′ may affect the field of view (FOV) that isachievable. However, the scanning beam devices 14 of the presentinvention can generally provide linear scan patterns with a FOV betweenabout 1 degree and about 90 degrees at 5 kHz scan frequencies. Forcircular 2D scan pattern, the present invention may provide a FOVbetween about 1 degree and about 90 degrees. As can be appreciated,variations in the type of lenses 70, the position of the lenses 70, thedimensions of the optical fibers, drive/actuation assembly, and otheroperating parameters of the scanning fiber device will change the fieldof view and other characteristics of the device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the leads 62 from the piezoelectric driving assembly40, the leads 64 from the detectors (or the proximal end of thecollector fibers), and the waveguide 38 extend proximally from thedistal cylindrical housing 60 into a flexible cable 74. The proximalends of the leads 62, 64 and the waveguide 38 extend into the connectormember 16 that is disposed at a proximal end of cable 74. When theconnector member 16 is mated with the interface 18 on the base station,appropriate connections are made with the leads 62, 64 and waveguide 38to create a power path, detector path, a data path, an illuminationpath, and other communication paths between the base station 12 and thescanning beam device 14′, respectively.

While not shown in FIGS. 2 or 3, the housing 60 of the scanning beamdevices 14 of the present invention may optionally comprise adeflectable distal tip portion so as to improve the ability of thehousing to be advanced through a body lumen to the target area. Themechanism for deflecting the distal tip portion of the housing 60 maycomprise one or more wires or electrical means for actuating the distaltip. Such deflection mechanisms (or the leads of the deflectionmechanism) may also extend through housing 60, flexible cable 74 and tothe connector member 16.

The devices of the present invention have a plurality of differentcharacteristics that will vary from device to device. The type of deviceused for the particular procedure will typically depend on therequirements of the imaging procedure. For example, for smaller bodylumens, a smaller housing and cable will be needed. Hence a size,number, and type of detectors, lenses, housing, and maximum deflectionwill likely be different than the larger scanning beam devices.Differences in the capabilities and components of the different scanningbeam devices 14 will require different control routines for generatingthe drive signals, constructing images, etc. for the specific device 14.If proper control routines are not used for the selected canning beamdevice 14 , the base station will not be able to properly operate thescanning fiber device 14 and may not be able to use all the capabilitiesof the scanning fiber device.

To provide the capability to properly operate the base station 12 andscanning fiber device 14, a memory 76, such as a non-volatile memory,may be incorporated into each of the different scanning beam devices 14of the present invention. The memory 76 may take on a variety of forms,but is typically a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memoryincludes, but is not limited to a FLASH memory, EEPROM, non-volatileRAM, battery packed up RAM, magnetic data storage, EPROM, PROM, ROM, orthe like.

The non-volatile memory 76 may be disposed anywhere on the scanningfiber device 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the memory 76 may beincorporated into the connector member. Alternatively, the memory may beincorporated into a portion of housing 60 or into any portion of cable74.

Upon connection of the connector member 16 with the interface 18, powerfrom power source 22 energizes memory 76 so as to create a data pathbetween the controller 20 and the non-volatile memory 76. As can beappreciated, the connection of the connector member 16 with interface 18also creates other connections, as will be described below.

Depending on the configuration of base station 12, memory 76 may containa variety of different data. For example, in the simplest embodiment, aunique identifier may be stored in memory 76. The unique identifier mayreference a portion of data from a look up table in which the portion ofthe look up table contains the relevant parametric data of the scanningfiber device. Unique identifier may be any identifying element, but istypically a unique serial number of the device. Controller 20 may beprogrammed to read the unique identifier from memory 76 upon connectionof the device 14 to the base station. First, the controller may comparethe unique identifier from memory 76 to a database of identifiers todetermine if the identifier is acceptable and compatible with the basestation. If the unique identifier is found in the look-up table,controller 20 may thereafter be programmed to access and read parametricdata from a look up table or a database to generate and configure thecontrol routine for the device 14.

The database of unique identifiers (and the associated operatingparameters associated with the unique identifiers) may be stored locallyin memory 76 or memory 24, or it may be stored in a remote server. Basestation 12 may have a network connection (not shown) so that controller20 may access the database over a network, such as a local area network(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. Even if memory 24contains the database of unique identifiers, the network connection maybe used to update the database stored in memory 24. Advantageously, asnew devices are manufactured, the manufacturer can update the databaseto include the new device identifier and related parametric data.

In addition to the unique identifier or as an alternative to the uniqueidentifier, parametric data of the device may be contained in memory 76.Upon determining that the device is compatible, controller may generateor reconfigure the control routine using the parametric data on memory76. Controller 20 may be programmed to download the parametric data frommemory 76 upon connection of the device 14 to the base station, andtemporarily (or permanently) store the parametric data in memory 24. Theparametric data may be input into an algorithm and a control routine forthe device 14 may be generated by controller 20.

Providing the parametric data on memory 76 or 24 has a number ofadvantages. First, by having all of the parametric data stored on thememory, manufacturing tolerances can be relaxed. Instead of requiringthat all devices of a specific model match a specific characteristic(e.g., resonant frequency), the devices of the present invention may bemanufactured using reduced tolerances. Instead of testing themanufactured device to determine whether or not the characteristicsmatch a predetermined criteria (and potentially re-manufacturing thedevice until the device meets the criteria), the device can be tested todetermine the resonant frequency, and the device-specific data may bestored on the memory 76. Thereafter, the controller may use thedevice-specific data to generate a control routine that substantiallymatches the resonant frequency of the device. Second, having memory 76in device 14 reduces the setup time prior to performing each imagingprocedure, as the particular parameters of the scanning fiber device mayautomatically be accessed by the controller 20 of base station 12.Instead of performing a time consuming, full calibration setup routineto determine the parameters and capabilities of the device, a shortercalibration routine may be performed, which will reduce the overall timeof the procedure.

As another alternative, instead of containing parametric data, memory 76may comprise the actual control routine (e.g., drive signals, scanpattern, etc.) for operating device 14. During manufacturing, theparametric data for the device may be entered into an algorithm togenerate the control routine. Thereafter, the control routine may thenbe stored in memory 76 and the control routine will be accessed bycontroller 20 when attached to the base station 12. If desired, aplurality of control routines may be stored on memory 76. Each of thedifferent control routine would correspond to specific situations, suchas specific environmental conditions, etc.

While the type of parametric data in memory 76 will vary depending onthe capabilities of the base station and the device, the following is anon-limiting list of parametric data that may be on the memory and usedby controller to generate the control routine for the device: serialnumber, model type, date of manufacture, date of expiration, driveassembly characteristics (e.g., type of drive assembly, current limits,voltage limits, etc.), detection assembly characteristics (e.g., type ofdetectors, number of detectors, stereo capability, color capability,detector responses), optical fiber characteristics (e.g., material,diameter, length, parametric data for real time control), resonantfrequency of the device, resonant frequency range for the device,housing characteristics (e.g., deflectable distal tip, diameter, length,flexibility, etc.), imaging characteristics (e.g., lens parameters,number of lenses, types of lenses, focus capability, zoom capability),image correction (e.g., distortion corrections, color corrections,etc.), resolution, display setup information, therapy capability, extrachannels, bend parameters, and the like.

Some examples of how some of the above listed data will be utilized bycontroller will now be described. It should be appreciated that anycombination of the data may be stored on memory 76, and any combinationof the parametric data or control routines described herein areencompassed by the present invention.

In one configuration, the data on the memory 76 may be used to configurethe operator controls in base station 12. The data my indicate thecapabilities of the scanning beam device and may disable or enablevarious operator controls on the user interface 26.

In another configuration, the parametric data stored on memory 76 mayinclude the resonant frequency for the optical fiber 50. Controller 50will read the resonant frequency information and may reconfigure thedrive signal and control routine to match the resonant frequencyaccordingly.

In other configurations, the parametric data stored on memory 76 may beused to establish a search range for determining the resonant frequencyof the optical fiber 50. Because resonance frequency may change with thetemperature, time from the date of manufacture, etc., it may bedesirable to store on memory 76 a range of search, e.g., X kHz±Y kHz.Consequently, after connecting the device 14 to the base station 12,control module 20 will only calibrate the device within the frequenciesX kHz±Y kHz to determine the resonant frequency of the device. Insteadof searching the entire range of frequencies, the calibration willsearch a limited range. Consequently, the setup time and number ofcalibration steps are reduced.

Memory 76 may be used to track and limit the usage of device 14. Memory76 is useful for both single-use devices and re-usable devices. In oneconfiguration, memory 76 may include a date of manufacture and/or anexpiration date. Controller 20 may read the date of manufacture and/orthe expiration date, and if a predetermined amount of time has passedfrom the date of manufacture or if the expiration date has beenexceeded, the controller may be prevented from using the device.

Additionally or alternatively, memory 76 may include use limits for thedevice. The use limits may include a maximum amount of time the devicemay be used for, a maximum number of times that the device may becoupled to the base station, a maximum number of procedures, or thelike. In such embodiments, controller 20 may write to memory 76 duringand/or after its use. For example, the device's usage history may bewritten to memory 76 to include the date of usage, the time of usage,the number of times the device has been coupled to a base station, orthe like. For single-use devices, the controller may write data onto thememory 76 after it's first usage that would prevent subsequent usage ofthe single-use device. Upon re-coupling of the device 14 to the basestation, the controller will compare the usage history on memory 76 tothe use limits. If the usage history meets or exceeds the use limits,the controller will prevent subsequent procedures from being performedwith the device 14.

In addition to writing usage data to memory 76, controller 20 may writeadditional data onto memory 76 during or after imaging of the targetarea. For example, the data written onto memory 76 may include, how longthe device was used, a quality of performance of the device, a modifiedlook-up table for image construction, or the like, a calculated resonantfrequency for the device, or the like. The writing of data onto thememory 76 may thereafter be used for later procedures with the device.Alternatively, the data written onto the memory 76 may be used toimprove the efficiency of use of the device in its later use. Forexample, if a quality of performance of the device is poor, thecontroller may be prevented from using the device again until the deviceis tested and recalibrated in calibration chamber 33.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a configuration routine that may beperformed by the systems 10 of the present invention. As can beappreciated, the illustrated routine is merely an example, and otherconfiguration routines with fewer or more steps may be implemented.

In the setup procedures of the present invention, the device 14 may beplaced in a calibration chamber 33 in the base station 12 to becalibrated. At step 100, the user activates a power switch to basestation 12 and connects connector member 16 to interface 18 of basestation 12. At step 102, power is delivered from the base station 12 tothe connector member 16 to create a data path between memory 76 andcontroller 20 of the base station. At step 104, controller 20 will readthe memory 76 to identify the device and to determine if attached deviceis compatible to the base station. Determination of whether device iscompatible with the base station may be carried out using any methodknown in the art. Typically, compatibility of the SFD and the basestation is determined through a unique device identifier, such as aserial number or model number. The unique identifier may be downloadedto controller and compared with a look up table or database of allidentifiers that are compatible with that particular base station 12.Preventing unknown or non-approved scanning fiber devices from beingconnected to the base station will provide safety measures to thepatient.

If it is determined that device 14 is incompatible with the basestation, controller 20 will generate and display an error message ondisplay 30 or otherwise indicate incompatibility of the device (e.g.,audible beep) and the configuration routine ends. If it is determinedthat device is compatible with the base station, controller willcontinue the configuration routine and read additional data from memory76 or 24. As can be appreciated, if memory 76 only has a uniqueidentifier, controller will read the additional data (e.g., parametricdata from a look up table) from memory 24 that is associated with theunique identifier of the device 14. In embodiments in which the memory76 contains both the unique identifier and the parametric data,controller 20 will read the additional data (e.g., parametric data) frommemory 76.

At step 106, controller may determine the date of manufacture of thedevice and/or an expiration date and compare the dates to the actualdate. If a predetermined amount of time past the date of manufacture hasbeen exceeded or if the date of the configuration routine is past theexpiration date, the controller will generate and display an errorsignal that indicates that the device has expired or has exceeded itsuse limits.

At step 108, controller 20 reads the device parameters from memory 76.Parameters that are typically included on memory 76 (or look up table inmemory 24) are the resonant frequency of the device or a resonantfrequency “range” of the device. If a resonant frequency range isprovided, controller 20 will send drive signals to drive assembly 40within the resonant frequency range and the photosensitive positionsensor 31 will track the illumination spot emitted from the device 14and based on the signal from sensor 44 the controller may automaticallyselect the frequency that it determines is the resonant frequency of thedevice.

Controller 20 may also determine the characteristics of the driveassembly 40, such as maximum voltage limits, the zoom capabilities, FOVassociated with different voltages, focus capabilities of the device,and the like.

Characteristics of the optical fiber and housing 60 may also be storedin memory. The characteristics may provide any combination ofcross-sectional dimensions, length, flexibility, material,deflectability of the distal portion of the housing, or the like. Suchinformation may be used to change the display of information, lightcontrol, or the like.

The characteristics of the detection assembly may also be provided inmemory. The detection assembly characteristics may provide informationregarding the color capability of the detectors, the number ofdetectors, the stereo capability of the detectors, the position of thedetectors, or the like.

Memory may optionally include image reconstruction look-up tables oralgorithms. The tables or algorithms may be used to remap an imagedisplayed or acquired by the device 14 of the present invention.Alternatively, the tables or algorithms may be used to remap the drivesignal used to scan the optical fiber. A more complete description ofthe look-up tables and algorithms is in commonly owned, copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. 16336-003000US),filed herewith, entitled “Remapping Methods to Reduce Distortions inImages,” the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

In step 110, the parametric data will be used to generate or reconfigurethe control routine that is used to operate the device 14 and basestation 12 during the scanning procedure. After controller has processedthe parametric data from the memory and generated a customized controlroutine for the device, the controller generates a message to theoperator that indicates that the configuration routine has completed andthat the device is ready for use. Thereafter, the device may be removedfrom the calibration chamber 33 and positioned adjacent the target area.For use in a minimally invasive medical procedure, the device may beadvanced through a body lumen to the target area using conventionalmethods. The pixels of the image may optionally be temporarily stored inmemory and the image reconstruction algorithms are applied to generatean image of the target area and to correct color and image distortions.Thereafter, the images are sent to the display and may optionally becaptured permanently in memory.

Advantageously, the data on the memory 76 in the scanning beam device 14reduces a setup time of the device and will allow the base station 12 toproperly operate the attached scanning fiber device 14 while stillproviding the ability to operate a variety of other scanning beamdevices, no matter what the resonant frequency of the scanning fiberdevice, the diameter of the scanning fiber, etc. Moreover, because thememory 76 will allow the base station to properly operate any compatibledevice 14, manufacturing tolerances may be relaxed and the manufacturingprocess may be less complex, and the overall costs of manufacture may bereduced. Consequently, the overall cost associated with manufacturingand using a scanning beam device is reduced drastically.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application andscope of the appended claims. For example, in other embodiments, thedevices of the present invention may have additional elements such as aspectrophotometer, a spectrum analyzer, thermal detectors, or the like.Numerous different combinations are possible, and such combinations areconsidered to be part of the present invention.

1. A method of operating a scanning beam device, the method comprising:providing a scanning beam device that comprises a memory incommunication with a connector member; coupling the connector member tointerface of a base station so as to create a data path between thememory and a controller of the base station; reading data from thememory of the scanning fiber device; generating a control routine foroperating the scanning beam device based at least in part on the dataread from the memory; and operating the scanning beam device with thecontrol routine.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein reading data comprisesdetermining if the scanning beam device is compatible with the basestation.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein reading data comprises readinga unique identifier from the memory, wherein generating the controlroutine is based on parametric data associated with the uniqueidentifier.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the scanning beam device isa scanning fiber device, wherein reading data comprises reading resonantfrequency data of the scanning fiber device from the memory, whereinoperating the scanning fiber device comprises scanning an optical fiberof the scanning fiber device substantially at the resonant frequency. 5.The method of claim 1 wherein the scanning beam device is a scanningfiber device that comprises an optical fiber, wherein reading datacomprises reading a resonant frequency range of the fiber from thememory, wherein generating the control routine comprises scanningthrough the resonant frequency range to determine the resonant frequencyof the fiber, wherein operating the scanning fiber device comprisesscanning the fiber substantially at the resonant frequency.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein reading data comprises reading a maximum drivevoltage for a drive assembly of the scanned beam device from the memory,wherein operating the scanned beam device comprises driving the driveassembly at or below the maximum drive voltage during the controlroutine.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein reading data comprises readingan expiration data or date of manufacture from the memory, whereinoperating the scanning beam device is prevented if the expiration datehas past or if a predetermined amount of time has past from the date ofmanufacture.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein reading data comprisesreading a zoom or focus capability of the scanning beam device from thememory, wherein operating the scanning beam device comprises allowingzooming and focusing according to the zoom or focus capability data. 9.The method of claim 1 further comprising writing data to the memory. 10.The method of claim 9 wherein writing data comprises writing at leastone of a performance data, history usage, date of usage, or duration ofusage.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the scanning beam devicecomprises a scanning fiber endoscope, a scanning fiber microscope, or ascanning fiber display.
 12. The scanning beam device of claim 1 whereinthe memory comprises a non-volatile memory.
 13. A scanning beam devicecomprising: a scanning element; a drive assembly coupled to the scanningelement to control scanning of a target; a memory; and a connectormember in communication with the memory, the connector member forreleasably coupling the scanning beam device to an interface in a basestation, wherein coupling of the connector member to the interface inthe base station creates a data path from the memory to a controller ofthe base station, wherein operation of the scanning beam device iscarried out with a control routine that is based at least in part ondata transmitted from the memory to the controller.
 14. The scanningbeam device of claim 11 wherein the scanning element comprises a singleoptical fiber.
 15. A scanning fiber device comprising: a fibercomprising a proximal end and a distal end; a drive assembly coupled tothe fiber to control scanning of the distal end of the fiber; a memory;and a connector member in communication with the memory, the connectormember for releasably coupling the scanning fiber device to an interfacein a base station, wherein coupling of the connector member to theinterface in the base station creates a data path from the memory to acontroller of the base station, wherein operation of the scanning fiberdevice is carried out with a control routine that is based at least inpart on data transmitted from the memory to the controller.
 16. Thescanning fiber device of claim 15 wherein the data providescompatibility data so that upon transmission of acceptable compatibilitydata to the controller, the controller of the base station is allowed todrive the drive assembly.
 17. The scanning fiber device of claim 15wherein the data provides identification data, the identification datacomprising a unique serial number or a model number.
 18. The scanningfiber device of claim 17 wherein the identification data is referencedin a look up table stored in a database, wherein the controller accessesthe look up table in the database to determine parameters of thescanning fiber device.
 19. The scanning fiber device of claim 15 whereinthe data provides a resonant frequency data for the fiber, wherein thecontrol routine drives the drive assembly to scan the fiber at afrequency that substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency data.20. The scanning fiber device of claim 15 wherein the data provides aresonant frequency range for the fiber, wherein the controller isconfigured to search the resonant frequency range to determine theresonant frequency of the fiber.
 21. The scanning fiber device of claim15 wherein the data provides fiber parametric data comprising at leastone of fiber diameter, fiber bending and position control data,parametric data for real time control.
 22. The scanning fiber device ofclaim 15 wherein the data provides drive assembly parametric datacomprising at least one of maximum drive assembly voltage and driveassembly requirements.
 23. The scanning fiber device of claim 15 whereinthe data provides data regarding date of manufacture or an expirationdate data of the scanned fiber device.
 24. The scanning fiber device ofclaim 15 wherein the data provides zoom capability data of the scanningfiber device.
 25. The scanning fiber device of claim 15 wherein the dataprovides detector parametric data comprising at least one of colorcapability or detector responses.
 26. The scanning fiber device of claim15 wherein the memory comprises a non-volatile memory.
 27. The scanningfiber device of claim 15 wherein the memory is disposed within theconnector member, wherein the base station provides power through theconnector member and memory to create the data path between thecontroller of the base station and the memory.
 28. The scanning fiberdevice of claim 15 wherein the drive assembly comprises at least onepiezoelectric element.
 29. The scanning fiber device of claim 15 whereinthe connector member provides electrical and optical coupling to thebase station.
 30. The scanning fiber device of claim 15 wherein thescanning beam device is a scanning fiber endoscope, a scanning fibermicroscope, or a scanning fiber display.
 31. The scanning fiber deviceof claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to write data to thememory, wherein the data comprises at least one of a performance data,history usage, date of usage, or duration of usage.
 32. A base stationconfigured to operate a plurality of different scanning fiber devices,the base station comprising: a housing comprising an interface that isconfigured to releasably receive a connector member of a scanning fiberdevice, a controller that is configured to be electrically coupled tothe scanning fiber device through the interface; a memory coupled to thecontroller, the memory configured to store a plurality of code moduleswhich when executed by the controller cause the controller to: read datafrom a memory of the scanning fiber device; and generate a controlroutine for a drive assembly of the scanning fiber device to scan thefiber scanning device at a desired scan frequency, wherein the controlroutine is generated at least in part on the data read from the memoryof the scanning fiber.
 33. The base station of claim 32 wherein thehousing comprises a calibration chamber that includes a photosensitiveposition sensor, wherein the calibration chamber is configured toreceive the scanning fiber device.
 34. The base station of claim 32wherein power is transmitted through the interface to the memory of thescanning fiber device, wherein the power transmitted through theconnector member and memory of the scanning fiber device creates a datapath between the controller of the base station and the memory of thescanning fiber device.
 35. The base station of claim 32 furthercomprising an waveguide configured to transmit a light to the scanningfiber device through the interface.
 36. The base station of claim 34wherein the waveguide comprises at least one of a laser source, visiblelight source, UV source, a RGB source, or an IR source.
 37. The basestation of claim 32 wherein the data comprises compatibility data,wherein transmission of acceptable compatibility data to the controllerallows for application of the control routine.
 38. The base station ofclaim 32 wherein the data from the memory of the scanning fiber deviceprovides a unique identification data and the memory of the base stationcomprises parametric data of the scanning fiber device associated withthe unique identification data, wherein the control routine generatedwill be based on part on the parametric data.
 39. The base station ofclaim 32 wherein the data comprises resonant frequency data for thefiber scanning device, wherein the control routine is configured todrive the drive assembly to scan the fiber at a frequency thatsubstantially corresponds to the resonant frequency data.
 40. The basestation of claim 32 wherein the data comprises a resonant frequencyrange for the fiber scanning device, wherein the controller isconfigured to search the resonant frequency range to determine theresonant frequency of the fiber, wherein the control routine isconfigured to drive the drive assembly to scan the fiber at a frequencythat substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency data.
 41. Thebase station of claim 32 wherein the data comprises drive assemblyparametric data comprising at least one of maximum drive assemblyvoltage and drive assembly requirements.
 42. The base station of claim32 wherein the data comprises a device expiration date or date ofmanufacture of the scanning fiber device, wherein if the date ofexpiration has passed or if a predetermined time has passed from thedate of manufacture, the controller is prevented from initiating thecontrol routine.
 43. The base station of claim 32 wherein the datacomprises zoom and/or focus capability data of the scanning fiberdevice.
 44. The base station of claim 32 wherein the data comprisesfiber parametric data comprising at least one of fiber diameter, fiberbending and position control data, and parametric data for real timecontrol.
 45. The base station of claim 32 wherein the data comprisesdetector parametric data comprising at least one of color capability anddetector response.
 46. The base station of claim 32 wherein thecontroller is configured to write data to the memory, wherein the datacomprises at least one of a performance data, history usage, date ofusage, or duration of usage.
 47. A scanning fiber system comprising: abase station comprising a controller coupled to a light source and amemory; at least one scanning fiber device, each scanning fiber devicecomprising: a scanning fiber comprising a proximal end and a distal end;a drive assembly coupled to the fiber to control scanning of the distalend of the scanning fiber; a connector member for coupling the scanningfiber device to an interface in the base station; and a memory incommunication with the connector member, wherein coupling of theconnector member from one of the fiber scanning devices into theinterface in the base station creates a data path from the memory of thescanning fiber device to a controller of the base station and an opticalpath between the light source to the scanning fiber, wherein thecontroller of the base station is configured to: read data from thememory of the scanning fiber device; and initiate a control routine todrive the drive assembly of the scanning fiber device so as to scan thefiber scanning device at a desired scan frequency, wherein the controlroutine is generated at least in part on the data read from the memoryof the scanning fiber.
 48. A scanning fiber device comprising: a fibercomprising a proximal end and a distal end; a drive assembly coupled tothe fiber to control scanning of the distal end of the fiber; memorymeans; and connector means in communication with the memory means, theconnector means for releasably coupling the scanning fiber device to aninterface means in a base station, wherein coupling of the connectormeans to the interface in the base station creates a data path from thememory means to a controller of the base station, wherein operation ofthe scanning fiber device is carried out with a control routine that isbased at least in part on data transmitted from the memory means to thecontroller.